Schools in
Frankfurt
Germany's financial heart has a global school outlook — from the European School serving EU employees to top-tier IB campuses in the leafy Taunus hills of Oberursel and Bad Homburg.
Frankfurt is Germany's most underrated school market. Everyone talks about Berlin, but Frankfurt International School (FIS) in Oberursel is arguably the finest IB school in the country — and the Taunus hills surrounding it are genuinely beautiful. The key insight most families miss: live in the Taunus (Oberursel, Bad Homburg, Kronberg) rather than the city center. The S-Bahn commute is 25 minutes, housing is more affordable, and you're on the doorstep of FIS. If you work for the ECB or another EU institution, the European School is an exceptional free option — but eligibility is strictly enforced.
Frankfurt International School (FIS) in Oberursel is one of Germany's most sought-after international schools — apply 1–2 years in advance. The European School Frankfurt has strict eligibility criteria for EU institution employees. State school registration is through the local Schulamt — contact them within 2 weeks of registering your address.
The Frankfurt school market, explained
Frankfurt is Germany's financial heart, and its school system reflects that global outlook. Beyond the central "European School" which serves EU employees, the city has top-tier international campuses in the Taunus region (like Oberursel and Bad Homburg), where many expat families choose to live for more space. In the city center, bilingual "Gymnasiums" are a popular choice for families looking to integrate into the German system while maintaining English-language proficiency.
The most popular area for expat families in the Frankfurt region. Home to Frankfurt International School (FIS) and a large international community. More space, greenery and lower rents than the city center.
Frankfurt's most desirable city neighbourhoods. Close to the European School and several bilingual Gymnasiums. Premium rents but excellent transport links and a vibrant expat community.
More affordable city neighbourhoods with good transport links to international schools. Popular with younger expat families and those on tighter budgets.
Leafy Taunus suburbs popular with senior banking and finance expats. Excellent schools, large houses and a high concentration of international families. 30 minutes from Frankfurt city center.
Types of schools in Frankfurt
Germany's most prestigious IB World School, with campuses in Oberursel and Wiesbaden. Full IB continuum, 3,000+ students from 70+ nationalities. Apply 1–2 years in advance.
Serves children of EU institution employees (ECB, ESMA, EIOPA). Multilingual education in 5 languages. Eligibility is strictly tied to parental employment at an EU institution.
Frankfurt has several excellent bilingual state Gymnasiums offering English-German instruction. Free for all residents. Leads to the Abitur. Competitive entry — apply in Year 4 (age 9–10).
Beyond FIS, Frankfurt has several IB World Schools including the International School of Frankfurt-Rhein-Main. Strong university placement and diverse international communities.
Several Frankfurt schools offer IGCSE and A-Level pathways. Popular with UK families and those seeking a familiar curriculum structure for potential return to the UK.
Frankfurt's state schools are free for all residents. Teaching in German. The Gymnasium track leads to the Abitur — widely recognised by universities worldwide. Language support available.
What most families don't know about Frankfurt
Frankfurt International School (FIS) in Oberursel is the gold standard for expat families in Frankfurt — but it's also the most oversubscribed. Register the moment you know you're moving, even before you have a confirmed start date.
The European School Frankfurt is only open to children of EU institution employees (ECB, ESMA, EIOPA, etc.). If you work for one of these institutions, it's an excellent free option — but eligibility is strictly enforced.
Many Frankfurt expat families choose to live in the Taunus hills (Oberursel, Bad Homburg, Kronberg) rather than the city center. The commute to Frankfurt is 20–30 minutes by S-Bahn, and the quality of life — and school access — is significantly better.
Frankfurt's bilingual Gymnasiums are a hidden gem for families planning a longer stay. They're free, academically rigorous, and produce fully bilingual graduates. Apply in Year 4 (age 9–10) — the entry process is competitive.
Frankfurt is Germany's most international city after Berlin, with a large expat community from the banking and finance sector. This means school places are competitive — don't assume availability, especially for mid-year entry.
Moving to Frankfurt?
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